“I always feel under the gun,” Amaro said. “I put myself under the gun. I don’t listen to a lot of it. But listen, I’m the GM of the club, so I fully expect to take heat for it. I’m the one making the decisions on player personnel. I’m accountable for the things that have happened. I didn’t have a very good year; our team didn’t have a very good year. I think we win as a team and lose as a team. The fact of the matter is that I should take a lot of heat for it. I need to be better, and our guys need to be better. We need to evaluate better, we need to make better decisions and try to create a little better mojo overall.”

Perhaps the most notable comment of Amaro’s address was his concession on analytics. From Zolecki:

“We’re going to make some changes,” Amaro said. “I think we’re doing some stuff analytically to change the way do some evaluations. Look, we are going to continue to be a scouting organization. That said, I think we owe it to ourselves to look at some other ways to evaluate. We’re going to build more analytics into it. Is it going to change dramatically the way we go about our business? No, but we owe it to ourselves to at least explore other avenues. We may bring someone in from the outside, but we have not decided that yet.”

Other notable thoughts from Amaro’s address:

Darin Ruf is not believed to be the solution in right field, particularly defensively. Amaro noted the Phillies could get creative and move Ben Revere to a corner outfield spot, possibly Revere in left and moving Domonic Brown back to right field.

Amaro noted that “One (right fielder) just got tied up in Hunter (Pence),” which is enough for some to believe Amaro would have made a play to bring back Hunter Pence.

Amaro wants to bring back Roy Halladay but noted that the largest hurdle is that Halladay would like to “come back to a contender”.

Amaro noted his main priority was finalizing Ryne Sandberg‘s coaching staff, working on bringing back Carlos Ruiz, and trying to secure Halladay for 2014.

Recommended for you

46 Comments

Hogey's Role

September 30, 2013 at 10:48 pm

Revere Hernandez utley brown Ruiz Howard Rollins asche… As next years potential lineup idk, we need a right handed power hitter for the middle of this lineup big time, but there’s really not many available… Amaro has his work cut out for him, it’s gonna be tough just trying to set the 40 man roster let alone finding guys to fill the holes this team has…

Yes there is a rh power hitter available!!! His name is Darin Ruf and why he’s being dissed by Amaro and you is beyond me. He would be the ideal first baseman versus lh pitchers, sitting the “Big Niece, er Piece” on the wood Making him available as a Pinch hitter.

Absolutely put Ruf on 1st and sit Howard- at least against lefties. The team also has a right-handed 30-HR power hitter in the system by the name of Maikel Franco who looks like he could start now – especially on this weak team. Franco also hits for average. Better to try him at 3rd and batting fifth behind Brown. Put Brown in right and try Asche in Left. Hernandez in center unless a better option in found in FA.

I love Ben Revere. Great kid. But we saw two extremes at the plate this season and there’s nothing in his history to suggest he’s nearly as good as he was for that one month. He has yet to prove he does anything well and even if he can improve as a hitter, what about the rest of his game?.He’s not a proficient baserunner nor base-stealer despite being blessed with speed. In center field, he can look like Willie Mays on one play then look more like Nate McLouth on the next ten. And I’m sorry, but my grandmother had a better arm than Ben’s. And like my grandmother, Ben can’t bunt, either.

Assuming Dom’s arm alone demands he play right field, who does the team want to bank on in left and center? Do you go with two converted infielders covering left and center (respectively Asche & Hernandez, or worse, Ruf and Hernandez) or pick up at least one bona fide fielder via free agency or trade. I would think decent third basemen have a stronger trade value than decent fielders so why not put Asche on the block for an above-average fielder and (as already suggested) stick Franco on 3rd? I don’t think the team has a stronger trade chip than Asche and one whose departure would be less of a blow if Franco can step right in.

Oh, I know, Schmenk is going to say, “That’s nice wbramh but Maikel Franco is a totally unknown quantity on the major league level.”
Such a party-pooper that Schmenkman but after enduring this season we should all be allowed our fantasies between now and Spring.

I guess I should have said they don’t have a proven right hand power hitter, I support ruf and I’d rather see ruf play rather than Howard… I don’t think management will see ruf as an everyday guy for the outfield, I also agree there is no way they bench Howard when paying him 25 million a year, I wish we could dump him and his salary…..

I put that lineup together above on the basis that amaro said they might move revere to left with Hernandez in center, I like Hernandez and I love the idea of him in center, so if he stays there then we have a trade chip in revere and since I don’t believe ruf is in the phillies everyday plans he becomes available as a trade chip too, and I’d Franco is ready to take over everyday at third next year asche either becomes a trade chip or can switch positions…. Conceivably you have revere, ruf, and maybe asche as trade chips to pick up a big bat, there is also plenty more young talent in the minors to trade too…. I’m not suggesting that’s the way to go but it is an option

Did I read correctly….. Halladay wants to come back to a contender?? I’m sorry but it’s not 2010 anymore and he should be lucky to get a decent contract anywhere at this point. His days of making demands are behind him.

I wish Doc could have worn at least one World Series ring while with playing for the Phillies but he sure did bring us some thrills and memories. If he ever receives that ring it will likely be in the capacity of pitching coach somewhere.

But baseball doesn’t work like tennis. It’s a team sport. In the end, that fact didn’t diminish Addie Joss or Fergie Jenkins… or Ernie Banks, or Nap Lajoie or Ken Griffey, Jr. none of whom ever played in the big show. That said, if Doc isn’t the best pitcher to never pitch in a series game then he’s in the top five and I don’t know the names of the four ahead of him. That’s got to be frustrating for a guy with so much talent.

As for players who made the show but never won, Cobb was oh for three – and then there was poor Ted Williams, arguably the greatest hitter of the modern era. He got the chance to play in one losing series in ’46 and batted a paltry .200 in the process. I’m sure that series haunted him to his dying days but it never diminished his stature as one of the game’s all-time greats.

As with Robbie and Spahnie and Newk and Gibson and Sandy and Juan and Lefty, I’m just glad I had the opportunity to watch him perform his magic. I’d pay the price of admission just to watch him take the mound one last time to tip his cap and share goodbyes.

I think Rever’s career numbers show he is close to a 300 hitter and he is still young and can be taught the art of base running. I like Asche but he faded pretty fast and hit what 250 with little power I’m not sure he is the answer. And I’m a big Ruf fan and hoped he would break out but I’m not sold on him being your every day anything

True. Revere batted just under .300 in his last year with the Twins but I believe that was the only year he came close to those numbers. But he drove in an anemic 32 RBIs and had an equally (and logically) anemic number of extra base hits – and of course, we’re still waiting for him to hit career HR #1. He also managed to draw under 30 BBs against over 550 at-bats. That too is pretty anemic. Well under the MLB top tier of CFs other than Adam Jones who is even worse – but then, Jones drove in some 110 RBIs this year.Yeah, it’s true that Ashburn was no big RBI man either albeit better than Revere but Ashburn drew over 90 walks in 5 different seasons (125 in 1954). For further contrast, the guy Revere replaced had 61 RBIs this year (more than every Phillies player save Brown and Utley), also hit for average (with few walks) and isn’t even considered in the top tier of CFs.

Sure,Revere’s not big but he’s the same size as Clemente and Callison were and those fellows could run, field, hit for average, crush the ball out of the yard and throw no-bounce rockets from the fence to 3rd and home. Can you imagine Revere moving to right field and making a Puig-like peg to nab a runner at 3rd? He’d be fortunate to throw it to the second baseman on a fly. Or how about hitting a shot halfway up the foul pole in right to win the All-Star game?

These are deficiencies.

Revere’s stolen base numbers were in the upper echelon of center fielders that final year with the Twins (a positive statistic along with BA) but the SBs fell off considerably this year relative to the number of ABs. He even had a higher OBP going for him this year. Why the relative drop-off in SBs I don’t know but it’s seems incredulous that Revere would be losing a step at his age.

Perhaps he can still improve. I’m certainly not trying to suggest (although it sounds like it) that management should give up on Revere at this point (unless they receive an offer they can’t refuse – like Stanton) but Ben Revere has a long way to go on a lot of levels to be the CF on a World championship team. The kid certainly seems coachable and has a terrific attitude. No small plusses, but I would start by sending him to a strength conditioning coach to see if there’s any way to improve his arm strength and put more velocity in his bat. Kevlar shoes wouldn’t hurt either.

I see Revere closer to a .280-29i0sh hitter with decent but not elite speed. His baserunning skills are average but maybe with more experience he can be taught to be a better baserunner. As far as basestealing speed i peg him averaging somewhere around 35-40 a year.I think this team needs another basestealer threat with our old and slower players. I agree at times (mainly because of his speed) he can make some decent plays and other times he makes you wonder. He is still young and if he had been in the Phillies system he probably would of just been called up. I see Ruf more so as a power bench threat backup basically what Rube wanted out of Nix. They will be some growing pains with Asche as with just about any Rookies. Franco is interesting i would like to see what he can do in AAA. I think for now they should give Asche a try..

My big concern is that everyone seems so high on Dom Brown. He ended the season with 27 home runs. Only about 7 of those came after the month of June. Other than that one hot streak, he doesn’t really seem to fill our need for a power hitter. I definitely want there to be room for Ruf, Asche and Brown next year, however. It’s time to gradually start turning the team over to younger players. Hopefully, that will be short term pain for long term gain.

Your list reminds me of walking into Best Buy, scanning the ailes, all the neat electronic gadgetry, the big screens, the ipads, cells that give you the world in your palm, and walking through the payment line with a freaking totaster.

Clearly, without a doubt, Theee positive thing that has evolved in your time frame was thew quote, “We need a righty bat, but if that’s not what we can get, we’ll get a lefty bat, and go forward.”

I can just imagine what this lineup would look like with another lefty hitter. That was the best line since Dave Montgomery rewrote the record book and defined a good trading percentage as 30%.

I mean, I couldn’t believe Rube even said that. I’m sure he’s feeling 2 tons of pressure, and frankly, off that albatross maybe singularly needs to step aside so a clear head can evaluate this absolute mess, but under the most trying of circumstances, you still don’t even dream that another lefty bat is any sort of answer.

Neither one actually said that, and the only way to interpret the quote that way is if the reader is extremely literal.

Montgomery’s quote:

“The reality is that when things don’t go well, people look to find, well, whose fault is it?” Montgomery said. “I believe in situations like this that when times are good there’s enough credit to go around. It’s all of us. Ruben is not making independent decisions. He’s going with a pretty good group of eyes who are looking out there at players and making determinations. God knows we’re all trying to bat 1.000 on decision making. The reality is, I think we do better than the .300 standard in baseball.”

Now you can choose to read that literally, that he’s comparing Amaro to .300 or 30%, but what it is clearly saying (IMO) is that .300 is the standard for hitting, and whatever the standard for trading is, the Phillies are better than that. [Not that I’d agree with that assessment, but that’s what I think he is saying]

And he’s absolutely right about a lefty bat. What’s most important is getting another good hitter. If he can hit lefties well, that would be great (and *typically* but not always, that means a RH bat), but I think he’s right on focusing on the overall hitting, and not which side it’s on. Over 70% of the pitchers are righties, and if you improve your hitting vs. them, even if it’s at the expense of hitting vs. lefties, in most cases that’s a good thing.

One other thing can be said here about righty/lefty hitters. A right handed outfielder might hep the offense more than a lefty, but if he can’t play decent defense, he loses any advantage he might have over a decent hitting AND decent fielding lefthander.

I, too, am with Amaro on prefering a righty, but not totally ignoring the lefties if the available righties are all defensive klutzes or only so-so hitters. I think he learned something with D.Young and a few other clumsy outfielders. The Phils outfield defense has been suspect for years and I’m hoping it improves, even if it takes a lefthaded hitter to do so.

Ain’t this par for the course in blogworld? Here we have Rubenski, admittedly taken out of context referencing the possibility of a lefty hitting OF, which on the surface, and as clearly as 36-24-26 being attractive is pretty hilarious. Next thing you know, we’ll get a lesson on how Doc’s funner vocabulary can tuen to serious conversation. And along comes the Crown Prince of Apologistics defending the quote with logic. Who gives a flying flip about a guy can hit and field, there’s a place for him. Duh. Who don’t know dat? It’s more than a given that the Phils long time search for a righty bat has been a troubling enough thing that any human in their right mind is entitled, and quite possibly right to joke about it.

Tell ya what. I’ll go to my grave knowing that if some people watched this video, they’d run to the keyboard, and start reevaluating history, and the merits of these comments, and how this particular historical conflict might have ended differently in BLEEPING SERIOUS form.. Now Tommy Jefferson’s sexual action, I could see, but that’s besides the point.

I never understood the phrase “under the gun”, what does that mean anyway? Have you ever seen a bank robber stand on top of a counter and put the gun on top of the teller’s head so that they are under the gun? Do they threaten to drop it on their head if they don’t give up the loot?

How about “under the heavy blade of a guillotine”, now that’s more synonymous with feeling serious danger.

What about the possibility of the phillies trading for the a’s cespedes, we could put together a package of revere and ruf and maybe another prospect and see if we can get cespedes’ power bat for our lineup, he’s only got two years left in his contract and he’s gonna be expensive when he hits free agency so the a’s maybe inclined to trade him and see what they can get…. It’s possible I think

Maybe they can buy low on Cespedes. For comparison, Dom Brown did cool off in the second half, especially after the sore achilles, but even so since the ASB he has still been as good or better than Cespedes’ overall season:

This Cespedes/Ruf/Ben proposal is actually interesting. It stays within boundaries of trade proposals being too self serving, and at least inspires some practical thought.

Consider a name not mentioned in the principles for a minute. He won’t go to the Hall, isn’t a perennial AS, but CoCo Crisp is a solid, 5 tool player. He’s not EXCEPTIONAL 5 tool stuff, but he offers diversified effectiveness in all facets. And it’s important to note that he’s a free agent at year’s end. From a huge distance, I’d guess the A’s re-sign him, but if that’s not the plan, I’m not well versed on their depth and prospects, but Revere certainly at least preliminarily addresses their CF needs. So there’s purpose in Revere.

Ruf’s purpose, of course, is “replacing” Yoenis, so we’re on the right track.

But where the idea gets a little off track is Revere might not be enough of an on base guy to appease Billy Beane. I’m speculating there. Ruf certainly has plusses, but is he overall appealing to the A’s. Plus, Ruf at 1B makes no noise with Moss there, so there are limits to his usefulness. Now Tampa, if Loney leaves might be a more sensible place for Ruf, if he’s even moved. While that’s besides the point at hand, it demonstrates a better need than in Oakland.

And there’s a second “drawback” to the deal. Let’s assess Cespedes overall as a player worth x in value. If Beane is gonna deal him, and you don’t put nuthin’ past Billy, he’s always interested in young pitching. So maybe he takes Revere and a pitching prospect. Which he probably can find a more able, and enthused trading partner to get something done. I’d rate the Mets as a more compatible trading partner in the case of Cespedes. They need OF help, have more starting pitching depth from which to negotiate.

Another reason I brought it up was the fact or is the fact that both ruf and revere are very cheap and should be for a few years and they provide value something billy beane is very high on, and the a’s are of course in the American League so it’s possibly ruf and moss can dh play first and split some time in the outfield as well… Maybe some other prospects can be exchanged from both sides as well, but it’s definitely a trade I would try to pursue if I were phillies management

I’m a big fan of keeping it real, so I may be exceeding my boundaries with this, but here goes.

You want Cespedes, and are willing to deal Ruf and Revere.

Grant Balfour’s had a fine year for the A’s, and I assume they are confident and happy with him for the playoffs. But the future’s a different subject. He’s 35, and has not made a killing in his career. So from a distance, you can see where there’s appeal to take what the market will bear for a reliever, and get what he can, while he can.

Now Oakland is probably a charter member of the new trend of why overpay for a reliever. And if they’ve scouted Jake Diekman, no question, they’d like him. As a closer, maybe yes, maybe no, but Jake’s arm is gonna impress anyone, and his progress this year is indisputable.
Year over year for a reliever is a consideration, but you certainly like the pitcher.

And say the A’s could see him as a reliever (for conversation’s sake.

So Billy says, okay, you can have Cespedes, I’ll take Ruf, and Revere, there’s enough appliucation and usefulness there that I’ll give up the next 2 years of Cespedes, even though he’s at an affordable amount, especially if my club has enough post season to bring in even more bucks.

Okay, I’m off track, even suppositionally if the A’s saw pretty likely to be filled potential in Jake as a closer. Particularly in the A’s case since they put a premium on things like Jake’s splits.

So let’s get more basic and say Ruf/Revere is a decent enough start (Crisp’s future pending), but I need some impact (and Jake could fit that category as a reliever if we generalize), but the PROSPECTIVE departure of Balfour, and filling it is the TYPE of impact I need to give up 25 homers, and a mid order guy (not even considering they probably still think highly of him).

So pass on Horst. I need at least 1 SOLID player to go with the other 2. Not necessarily an all star, but somebody with semi stud abilities that’s there, or close to fulfilling) at least that I have a use, and hopefully even a need for.

For sure, Billy would trade with Rube if he was the last man on earth…the problem is he’s not.

Seems like a difficult match, as I guess is gonna be the case with most Phillie attempts to land quality. But they should certainly explore a lot of what seems unlikely. You never know.

If you want a solid lefty reliever I give you your pick of Horst, Robles,savery,Jimenez…. Or if you want a righty I give you your pick of aumont nesseth or cloyd…

Either way revere will be your everyday centerfielder and lead off man also a base stealing threat and potential all star… Ruf will be an everyday power threat on base machine and run producer a middle of the order guy and potential all star…. Honestly I think revere and ruf is a decent offer for cespedes however I realize the talent that cespedes is and think maybe billy beane will want more I think maybe some prospects could be swapped on both sides

We’ll see if it plays out to any extent. At least the original idea struck me as in the park, but even in the beginning of the discussion, I was looking at need, and that would only develop if a Crisp moves on. Then, I looked at need again with the possibility of Balfour opening the closing role. As for just general relievers staffing the A’s 2014 roster, that’d be out of my scope. But a major asset for a reliver has to excite, and I can’t speculate on if a young reliever the Phils might have would excite the A’s. I don’t see the A’s dealing Cespedes for the sake of it, like a payroll move or something. If it improves tem, they might. But the 2 needs (which I put in that category, not them) are a ways off. Neither Oakland player had a year that you’d hold the door open for them and not regret them leaving.

Thanks so much for the offers of Aumont, Savery and Cloyd, by the way. You should be trading for a funeral home. They’d welcome warm bodies. But even in that case, somebody might see something I don’t (Aumont’s at least got a great curve to work off of). Diekman, obviously has talent, so I voluntarily brought his name up.

Not to overdo this perhaps exhausted discussion, but here’s a thought from David Schoenfeld in his ESPN chat as a Cespedes acquisition was the topic of a question…

rick (exton, pa)

Would Cespedes be a good trade candidate for Phillies? Power bat in rf and he is a fa in two yrs whom A’s cant keep. Who says no…Biddle, Asche, and Ruf for Cespedes

David Schoenfield
(1:19 PM)

I don’t think the Phillies do that considering Cespedes didn’t have that good of a year — .294 OBP. Although I’m not sure Ruben Amaro pays attention to OBP. More likely, Phillies go after one of the free agent outfielders — Choo, Ellsbury.

Injured and both of them are gonna be on the wrong side if thirty… I think both will probably command 15 million and I don’t wanna pay either of them half of that even, and personally I don’t like the thought of any more lefties added to our lineup, mainly for reasons such as last nights game where liriano shut down choo votto and Bruce mostly on sliders, so everyone can say what they want about there being 70% righty pitchers look at what happened last night one lefty pitcher ended the reds season…

I would much rather attempt a trade for cespedes… However Matt kemp is also rumored to be available but he comes with a hefty price tag…

You said it would be stupid to “go after” either of them. I’m not recommemnding that they sign either one, but “going after” implies at least looking at them. If they’re too costly, then you don’t sign them, just as you wouldn’t sign a right-handed bat who’s too costly.

The sad part about free agency is that almost all of them are “on the wrong side of thirty.” I’d still prefer a somewhat older lefthander with a decent bat and glove to ANY of the right handed players in the Phils’ current outfield mix. If Choo or Ellsbury were approachng 35, they’d be bad choices, but they aren’t that old yet.

Also, just because Liriano got the Reds out last night doesn’t mean much. Liriano has been a very good pitcher this season, and probably could shut down lefties or righties. Most lefties aren’t as good as that. Even if a team loses to some of them, there are enough mediocrities out there that it is never going to mean your team will lose to all 30% of them 100% of the time.

Amaro is throwing out that line on Ruf to cover his tracks… If Ruf is gone, it will be easier to rationalize paying the 25M to Howard. Asche and Revere will probably be dealt along with Ruf unfortunately. But after hearing Amaro wants to re-sign Kendrick and offer Doc a contract… I think it is time Amaro suffered the same fate as Charley and Rich… before he does any further damage to this franchise. I mean seriously, can anyone else have done any worse than what Amaro did to this team? Come on Mr Middleton, you are a baseball man, cut your losses and get a proven GM in charge ASAP!

“If Ruf is gone, it will be easier to rationalize paying the 25M to Howard.”

– I don’t get this, since they will be paying the $25M no matter what (barring a miracle trade).

“Asche and Revere will probably be dealt along with Ruf unfortunately.”

– It’s possible, but I don’t know why that would necessarily be a bad thing.

“I mean seriously, can anyone else have done any worse than what Amaro did to this team?”

– If someone thinks that 0 playoff appearances (and shots at the big prize) instead of 3 after ’08 would be considered “worse”, then I think the clear answer is Yes. Since they won the WS with a very good-but-not great team, and then opened the 2009 season with most starters already on the wrong side of 30, they could have very easily never appeared in the playoffs after 2008.

Amaro is no great GM, but he placed various bets on winning it all while there was an opportunity, some of them wise and some of them not. But without those gambles (particularly Lee, Halladay, Oswalt), I’m not sure there is October baseball at CBP after 2008.

I agree Amaro made bets… all of them losers! I am just sick of other teams progressing while all Amaro does is come up with lame excuses one after another. I have no faith in keeping the man that saddled this franchise with the likes of Rollins, Howard and Halliday…. Amaro’s problem is the same as when he played.. He was an underachiever as a player.. and even worse as a GM. After his two HRs in his first game, it was all downhill from there… I want a fresh set of eyes, some that are not shaded by relationships with ballplayers… Amaro has to go.. NOW! Atlanta, Washington and sadly even the Mets have a better nucleaus today than the Phillies… That is very discouraging and was totally avoidable. It management keeps Amaro, they deserve a continued decline in attendance… Not all fans arlook thru the same rose-colored glasses as Schmenkman!

Yeah halladay has been down right terrible right?? He won 40games his first two years pitching us into the playoffs and then pitched hurt the next two trying to help this team… He rewarded Howard with a big contract for the monster years he put up, and Howard then got injured… Rollins was the spark to this team, perhaps he had a bad year or maybe he is on a downward trend… Point being why don’t you just shut your mouth, and I’m sick of people comparing his playing career to his job as a general manager they share no direct correlation, so get a brain

Uh…bud radcliffe, you have timesframes mixed up. While I agree RAJ is a complete idiot, you inferred that the Halladay trade and extension was as bad as Howard’s contract. That comment is about as intelligent as RAJ’s overall performance. Halladay trade was probably the best thing he did. Perfect game, No hitter in the play off’s, 40+ games won, Cy Young.

Ryan Howards contract was astromincally STUPID! It was stupid not because of the dollar amount of years (that was just a decent mistake). It was astronomically STUPID when you couple the dollar amount and years along with the fact that the contract was signed almost TWO YEARS BEFORE the contract was set to start! Had the contract taken effect immediately, we would have what, 1 more year left instead of 3? Or, had the Contract not been signed until a few weeks before he was set to become a Free Agent RAJ would have noticed is drop in performance midway 2009, and carrying on to 2010. Not to mention had he waited, RAJ would have seen Howard crumple to the ground with a torn Achilles. However, since it was signed when it was, with no injury clause, Howard is getting paid $25 MILLION a year to sit on the DL more than he plays!